Description

Felice Gimondi was a rider that could win any race and at any time of the year. He won La Primavera in March, Roubaix in April, the Giro (3 times) in May, the Tour de Suisse in June, the Tour in July, the Grand Prix de Nations and the Vuelta in September, and Lombardy in October among many, many others including six days and the World Championships in 1973. The significance of his palmarès is all the more noteworthy considering that his professional career started and stopped alongside that of the Belgian great, Eddy Merckx. This De Marchi Salvarani 1972 Official Replica Merino Wool Short Sleeve Jersey pays homage to a complete champion. It's an authentic replica of the wool racing jerseys that Gimondi and his Salvarani teammates wore at the time.

The difference is only that this modern version lacks the itch of yesteryear's version. For this jersey, De Marchi uses Superfine Merino Wool. It's a taslanized 50% Merino Wool, 50% acrylic knit blend. It has a fine hand like a spun yarn, though it's more consistent and won't pill like a spun yarn. Its luxurious softness will make you know that it's intended to be worn directly against the skin. One of our favorite details is the Cornely embroidery on the chest and sleeves. Named after the English machine that was used, this is a style of embroidery characterized by stacked loops of thread. The logos have a three dimensional appearance that's set apart from modern embroidery. It's a touch of class from another era.

De Marchi cuts the Salvarani 1972 Wool Jersey just like they did nearly forty years ago. They've always been known for their technical jerseys, and this one is no different. It's made to be ridden in. To that end, it's a bit looser than modern synthetic jerseys, but it's cut to follow the body. The collar and sleeve cuffs are a doubled over rib-knit. De Marchi calls it a 'French' collar after Louison Bobet. He was, of course, French, and known to be stylish and exacting with his gear and clothing. He is said to have been the first to request a move to this style of collar from the traditional winged collar and buttons that were used at the time. The hem at the bottom is simply a doubled layer of the knit, with an imperceptible seam. In the front you'll find a neat detail that comes from the era -- a De Marchi logo that is visible only when you roll the bottom hem up (a mid-ride adjustment that was often performed by the riders as their jerseys, like this one, were cut straight at the bottom). It has an 18cm metal zipper from YKK, the best in the business. In the back you'll find the three traditional patch pockets, and rather than being open at the top they have pearly buttons if you feel the need to secure your stowed articles.

The De Marchi Salvarani 1972 Official Replica Merino Wool Short Sleeve Jersey is available in Salvarani Team Blue and comes in five sizes from Small to XX-Large. It is handmade in Italy. Please Note: We highly recommend that you wash by hand in cold water with a mild detergent and blot, then air dry flat. This will ensure that your jersey will last for many seasons and that it will remain the proper size.